The M500 is a great mic. I like it more for vocals than instruments and it was designed as a performing vocal mic. It has a bit of a presence peak (at least compared to the other Beyer mics). Like all mics, it works better on some voices than others. They are discontinued and consequently are in demand. They run @ $230-300 on e-bay. The commemorative reissue (numbered and silver in a wood box) will bring a bit more. I like the M160, M260 and M130 better for instruments. Well worth picking up -- or hanging onto as the case may be. Worth re-ribboning if you get a dead one cheap.